An assortment of colored "Sweethearts" candy are held in bulk prior to packaging at the New England Confectionery Company in Revere, Mass., in 2009. / By Charles Krupa, AP

by Kevin Spak, Newser

by Kevin Spak, Newser

Sweethearts candies are a venerable, traditional Valentine's Day treat that every American alive has at some point pretended to enjoy eating.

But although the powdery little hearts themselves haven't changed much over the years, the pithy statements adorning them have. To keep up with the times, NECCO refreshes the messages. For instance, this year's hearts bear such modern phrases as "UR HOT," "TEXT ME" and "LOML."

To add the new messages to the mix, some phrases must rotate out. The company sent the Atlantic a list of retirees. Some of the most notable:

YOU ARE GAY

HEP CAT

YEAH RIGHT

SAUCY BOY

HOT CHA

YOU ARE LATE

LET'S READ

GROOVY

FAX ME

No, those are not made up. Yes, FAX ME. Has anyone ever faxed anyone for a date? For that matter, was reading once considered a romantic activity?